Managing Through COVID-19 Pandemic: Top International Airlines

First of all, it is a fact that the blast of airlines had created hundreds of thousands of jobs and brought all continents closer together. However, in the midst of Covid-19, the financial losses of the airlines are enormous. Closed borders, canceled international flights, stuck planes are only a few of the results of Covid-19.

From ticket prices to the distances between seats, things are expected to be very different once we start traveling again. A rapid change is underway as global airlines reconsider their activities and how they will begin to emerge after the crisis. In the sadly deserted airports, the use of a mask and social distance has already led to a change in behavior between the few employees and the remaining travelers.

Please find a list of how a majority of airlines reacted to Covid-19.

Aegean Airlines: AEGEAN, in order to meet the extraordinary conditions created by the spread of COVID-19, from the first moment has proceeded with measures and initiatives that provide passengers with flexibility in order to continue to either plan or make their travels, in new conditions that have developed since the spread of the corona worldwide.

Furthermore, to assist all passengers with cancelled flights to better adjust their travel plans, especially those who do not want to rebook for a future date at this time, they offer a Credit Voucher of equal value to the ticket purchased, valid for redemption on any future flight within the next 18 months.

Lufthansa: In light of the current situation, Lufthansa is offering flexible rebooking options for all ticket fares. People may simply keep their ticket and rebook at no extra charge until August 31 as soon as they have decided on a new travel date – even after the original date of flight.

In addition, Lufthansa is offering a discount of 50 Euro for rebookings with a travel date within the year 2020. Moreover, it is worth to mention that the German airline company has announced that flights from Frankfurt to Athens will start on May 18, after a two-month absence of flights from Germany to Greece. In June, the airline will begin operating 60 destinations in Europe, including Crete. It also demands from all travelers to wear a face mask as soon as they arrive at the airport as well as, in the whole duration of their flight. For now, wearing a face mask remains mandatory until August 31, 2020.

Ryanair: All passengers of cancelled flights have received email notices informing them of these flight cancellations. Affected passengers will be able to choose between a full refund or a travel credit that can be redeemed on Ryanair flights in the next 12 months.

Ryanair continues to comply fully with WHO and national Government guidance and travel bans. The situation is changing on a daily basis, and all passengers on flights affected by travel bans or cancellations, are receiving emails and are being offered flight transfers, full refunds or travel credits.

Vueling Airlines: Vueling is adapting to the exceptional situation we are all facing by offering several flexibility options for all passengers for their current and future bookings.

Passengers have the opportunity to change to another flight on the same route free of charge. if they still want to fly, but they do not know when or where they want to go, they can get a voucher (Flight Credit). In case they prefer to request a refund for their cancelled flight, which may take up to 8 weeks.

Turkish Airlines: In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all flights have been suspended until May 28, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are applying Zero Change Fee and Change to Open Ticket policies for domestic and international flights, so that you can plan your travel with more flexibility, comfort and peace of mind.

If passengers decided their new travel, they can benefit from the Zero Change Fee right and re-plan their flight comfortably. If case they have not yet planned their trip, they can benefit from the Change to Open Ticket right and utilize it after their plans are made. Turkey’s national flag carrier will resume domestic flights in June and reintroduce international flights gradually. According to their three-month flight plan starting in June Turkish airlines will fly to 22 destinations in 19 countries.

Emirates: Passengers can choose to keep their ticket and Emirates extend its validity to 24 months from the date of their original booking. The fare amount they paid for their original booking will be accepted for any flight to the same destination at any time with no fees during this period.

They can also convert their original booking into a travel voucher. The value of their travel voucher will be equivalent to the amount they paid for their original booking. Emirates can only provide a travel voucher for the part of their booked itinerary that they have not completed. The travel voucher will be valid for one year from the date of issue, and they can use it for flights or other Emirates products and services up to its value and can be extended for another year.

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Antonia Maria Markou is a staff writer at CEOWORLD magazine, who sometimes dips her hand into the honeypot of news. She adores finding organic editorial gems while working to grow the CEOWORLD magazine brand. Connect with her on LinkedIn. Got a story idea? Email her: antonia@ceoworld.biz

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